Article 2 of the IRG-WP Statues (https://www.irg-wp.com/procedures-statutes.html) instructs that a primary aim of the organization is to “facilitate co-operation among members” and “facilitate collaborative research projects”. To fulfill these aims, IRG-WP shall budget for and periodically fund collaborative research projects that align with the aims of the organization. These guidelines outline the eligibility requirements and application procedures.
Hypothesis-driven research in wood protection as defined by IRG-WP Sections. Collaboration must include a minimum of three IRG-WP members from different countries in more than one continent. Larger collaborations with geographic diversity are preferred. IRG-WP is not obligated to fund any project in full or to provide funding in any given year.
Application for collaborative research funding is open to all members of IRG-WP in good standing. As there are three or more institutions cooperating, one must be the designated lead (principal) investigator. All payments from IRG-WP will be made to the designated lead investigator. The project must not place an undue administrative burden on the Secretariat. Any required agreements among cooperating researchers and their institutions are the responsibility of the applicants. Applicants for funding who hold a position on the EC must recuse themselves from the evaluation process.
· Degree to which the research addresses important global needs in the field of wood durability and protection; the potential scientific impact and relevance to IRG-WP membership.
· The use of sound scientific principles.
· The degree of and promotion of collaboration across geographic diversity.
· Research that supports the aims of IRG-WP, including the support of graduate students.
· The inclusion of a detailed work plan, clarity on data ownership, communication plan and overall project timeline.
· The total funds requested and its percentage of the overall project budget (degree to which other sources of funds are leveraged). Normally, IRG-WP support for any single funding request will not exceed SEK 100,000.
· Presentation of results in at least one IRG-WP paper at an annual meeting
· Raw data provided to IRG-WP database (if applicable)
· IRG-WP financial support shall be acknowledged in any presentation or publication
· Other (as described in communication plan)
Applications for funding shall be submitted to the IRG-WP Secretariat using the form provided on the IRG-WP website in both in Word or PDF formats. The Secretariat will validate the eligibility of the application and forward it to the EC for consideration no later than 2 weeks prior to a scheduled EC meeting. The EC will consider validated applications twice per year. Those received between 1 November and 30 April shall be considered at the May EC meeting. Those received between 1 May and 31 October, shall be considered at the November EC meeting.
Approved applications are subject to subsequent agreement between the parties on the funding
*NOTE THAT THESE GUIDELINES WILL NOT COME INTO EFFECT UNTIL THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2025